Sunderland counsellor shines with new venture

A Sunderland-based counsellor has turned personal challenges into a business success.

Kirsty Laing launched Rain or Shine Counselling in July last year, transforming a difficult period in her life into a thriving therapy practice. 

Balancing motherhood as a single parent and full-time work, Kirsty invested in herself through counselling and holistic therapies before deciding to pursue self-employment.

She said: “I felt like a Stretch Armstrong.

“I was pulled in every direction trying to please everyone but pleasing nobody – especially not myself.

“I walked into a sound bath session one day, and the man running it asked me what I did for a living. 

“When I told him I was a counsellor, he asked me for my business page. 

“I didn’t have one. In that moment I realised I wanted to start my own business and I knew I could do it.”

Kirsty got in touch with the North East BIC after a recommendation from a fellow counsellor and began turning her business dream into a reality.

She took part in a series of workshops, accessed mentoring and was introduced to Hina Joshi, her own dedicated business adviser, who guided her through registering her business, building a plan and growing her confidence.

Hina added: “We actually registered Kirsty with HMRC the very first day we met!” 

“She was nervous about her decision at that point, but she knew she wanted to help others. 

“She was lacking in confidence and suffering with imposter syndrome, but we knew we could work on that.

“Since then, her confidence has blossomed. 

“She’s now delivering wellbeing sessions for corporate clients, has spoken at the BIC’s Inspire Lab event where she was once an aspiring entrepreneur, and is a real inspiration to others thinking of starting their own venture.”

Rain or Shine offers one-to-one therapy, group sessions, wellbeing workshops and remote support, with a focus on young people and families. 

Kirsty’s aim is to make therapy more accessible, human and even joyful.

She added: “By working on myself in my own therapy, I’d found the confidence to take myself seriously and that’s how Rain or Shine was born. 

“By growing as a person, I’ve been able to grow a business. 

“I’ve reinvented life for me and my children and now I want to help others to do the same.

“People often think of counselling as something heavy or clinical, but I’ve had more laughs in the counselling room than tears. 

“It’s about connection, honesty and growth and that often includes humour and joy, even when you are having the most difficult conversations.” 

Now working part-time for the NHS and running her own business, Kirsty has achieved the personal milestone of no longer needing benefits.

She added: “I’ve always worked full-time, but I’ve always struggled. 

“One of my biggest goals was to be financially independent and I’ve done that. 

“I’m so proud of myself.

“When I look in the mirror now, I see a different person looking back. 

“I keep having pinch-me moments when I get paid for doing something I love. 

“The endorphin hit I get from every client I help is just incredible.

“My message to anyone thinking about starting a business is to just go for it.”

The start-up support from the BIC forms part of Enterprising Sunderland, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “Enterprising Sunderland has made such a positive contribution to the city’s economy, and it’s great to see start-ups like Rain or Shine take shape, offering mental health and wellness support in the region.

“We want to ensure entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary tools to grow, and thanks to Enterprising Sunderland, Kirsty has built something that supports her family and surrounding community and I’m sure her story will inspire others to that first step in starting their own business.”

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